A Message from the Executive Director

How do we identify terrorism’s trajectory or mobilize society
to face it? How does one photograph a complex object in motion?
Leadership, crisis communication, and societal resilience are just some
of the factors that impact our understanding of current critical
incidents. In our rapidly changing world, whether one is a photographer
or crisis analyst - light, timing and experience are crucial.
Experienced photographers are now confronted by dramatically new
digital technology. Likewise, even the most seasoned critical incident
leaders, managers and responders operate within an information
technology driven blizzard of intelligence.

These are not new challenges. Before photography, the French
sculptor Houdon sought to capture the images of both Jefferson and
Washington. Eighty years later, Matthew Brady photographed Abraham
Lincoln as both faced the challenges of perspective, timing and
anticipation. Whether image or incident, it first must be captured
before it is conveyed.

Light is central, whether one is managing critical
incidents or capturing images. Quality and placement of illumination
are both crucial. Poor light distorts the quality of the photo, just as
inadequate information distorts understanding of the incident.
Perspective is equally important. If improperly placed, a single light
source is inadequate. Then, no matter the light’s quality, the
shutter’s click produces shadow and mystery within the photo.
Similarly, a single professional's perspective highlights known, albeit
narrow area. Multiple perspectives, similar to multiple light sources,
provide the most realistic image and understanding for the viewer.

Our multidisciplinary leaders, managers and responders within the
CIAG know that illumination and perspective are critical both in the
decision-making process of a critical incident, and also in its later
analysis. Illumination and perspective provide focus and clarity, which
are essential to understanding.

Timing is important on a number of levels. The best
photographers are similar to the best critical incident leaders,
managers and responders. They all anticipate the event by being
properly placed, responding quickly. If photographers were only
interested in capturing still life images of the leopard from the
taxidermist’s table, timing would have little consequence. Likewise,
our leaders rarely have the luxury of the retrospectroscope, although
this instrument is freely used by those who have not stood in the
arena.

Threats to our democracy are also ever-mutating. Anticipation is a
virtue in a mercurial, violent world. CIAG participants appreciate
timing and anticipation as they lead, manage and respond. These are
important qualities for professionals today, whether they are
responsible for policy, scholarship or sound business practice.

Experience is similar to wisdom. A photographer
requires more than just good equipment and instruction. Experience with
the vagaries of light and timing over many years must precede the
finest work. CIAG participants possess and value experience in the
operation and understanding of critical incidents.

Whether providing urgent consultation on a diagnostic dilemma,
articulating and developing strategic public preparedness responses
such as Community Shielding, or examining critical incidents through a
multidisciplinary lens of crisis analysis, the Critical Incident
Analysis Group benefits from the intersecting perspectives of
government, academe and the private sector. By volunteering their time
and counsel, CIAG participants distill current knowledge, providing an
opportunity to identify and build productive networks and policies that
enhance resilience without diminishing our liberties.